Joseph Dever Shaughnessy

Joseph Dever Shaughnessy, 94, passed away on December 18, 2024, at the hospital after a brief illness.

Born on September 24, 1930, at Providence Hospital in Seattle, Washington, Joe was the second son of Joseph and Helen Shaughnessy. His older brother, George, was born four years earlier. Joe and George attended St. Margaret’s Catholic School in lower Queen Anne, followed by O’Dea High School. After completing his military service, Joseph earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Seattle University.

At just 17 years old, Joe enlisted in the Air Force. However, due to his exceptional aptitude, he was quickly reassigned to the Army Security Agency, where he served as a Radio Traffic Analyst during the Korean War in Japan, cracking intercepted communications.

Joe met Dorothy soon after graduating from college, and the two were married in 1957. Together, they raised four children: Joseph Jr. (J.D.), Patrick, Thomas, and Marie. Joe’s career in sales with Tidewater Oil and Phillips Petroleum moved the family to various locations, including Yakima, Coos Bay, Portland, Bend, and Pendleton. The family ultimately settled in Sumner, and later Orting, where they spent many happy years. Later in life, Joe and his wife Dorothy enjoyed attending reunions with fellow ASA-PAC veterans. Their travels also took them to destinations like Ireland, Alaska, Mexico, and Copenhagen.

Throughout his life, Joe remained deeply committed to his faith. He served in numerous roles within the church, including as a lector, a member of the Men’s Club, Knights of Columbus, Parish Council, Finance Committee, and St. Vincent de Paul. Helping others brought him great joy and fulfillment.

Joe was an active and athletic individual, excelling in many sports. His favorite pastimes included downhill skiing and golfing. He often said he was blessed in life, attributing his good fortune to the “luck of the Irish”—and no one disagreed. Joe was generous with his time, offering wisdom, stories, and kind words to anyone in need. His good humor, compassionate nature, and open heart will be deeply missed.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy; brother George. sons J.D. (Tami), Patrick, Tom (Sue), and Marie Vartanian (Philip); and his grandchildren: Nina, Noah, Zoe, Deirdre, and Logan. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Gaius and Cyrus.

Funeral Mass January 21, 2025, 11:00 am, St. Andrew Church, Sumner, WA. Vigil service the night before at 7pm

A graveside service will be held January 22, at Tahoma National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers Joe requests donation via check to St. Vincent de Paul, Memo line: In Honor of Joe Shaughnessy, care of St. Andrew Catholic Church, 1401 Valley Ave E Sumner WA 98390